Lexus has introduced a new "F"-designated IS model. F-branded Lexus cars will be the sporty vehicles aimed squarely at the BMW's M, Mercedes' AMG and Audi's R/RS. Powered by a V8, the new
Lexus IS-F will appeal to sports car enthusiasts with a "substantial" boost in power, joining the pair of six-cylinder IS models currently available. The engine is a 5.0-liter V8 that develops 407 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It will also feature the
LS 460 's 8-speed gearbox with "direct-sport-shift" paddles. The multi-geared, slick-shifting gearbox along with the mounds of available power will shift the IS from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) is attained in 4.9 seconds.
The car gets a heavy cosmetic update, including a bulging hood, an aerodynamic package, quad overlapping staggered exhaust tips, and 19-inch BBS wheels. Behind the big rolling stock are large-diameter cross-drilled disc brakes measuring 14.2 front and 13.6 inches rear. The IS-F rides one inch lower than the stock IS-F which allows the wheels to nicely fill the wide body fenders.If this is the first of the "F" cars, we are certainly looking forward to more big things from Lexus.
photo: Lexus